Think Less Learn More

How to Unlock the Power of the Unfocused Mind

by Dr Srini Pillay

Most of us worry about our distractibility. We zone out, daydream and procrastinate, and then chastise ourselves for wasting time. But what if most of that “wasted time” was actually time well spent?

As Harvard neuropsychiatrist Dr. Srini Pillay explains, there is a default mode in the brain that only activates when we are unfocused, or letting our minds rest. And a healthy default mode is vital for the brain to be able to rejuvenate and function at its best: if focus is the valuable narrow beam that illuminates the path directly ahead, unfocus is the beam that reaches far and wide, enabling our peripheral vision.

Drawing on the latest brain research, compelling stories from Pillay’s psychological practice, and colourful examples of counterintuitive success from sports, business, education and the arts, Think Less, Learn More proffers an exhilarating argument: the key to being content, to having good relationships, becoming more productive, building revolutionary companies and social movements, and achieving success is not to be too reliant on to-do lists and calendar reminders but to cultivate a flexible mind, capable of an intelligent form of letting go…

““Celebrating the untapped power of the ENTIRE mind, conscious and unconscious, Pillay offers a brilliant, deeply researched blueprint for using one's full mental armamentarium​... A fantastic book!” ”Edward Hallowell, M.D.

“ “In this heart-felt book Srini uses his own experience and insights as a physician and psychiatrist to profoundly speak to the way we live our lives and bring all of us to use our ‘beautiful brain’. A must-read for anyone determined to be inspiring, reflective and dynamic.”
”Lynda Gratton

About Dr Srini Pillay

Srini Pillay, M.D., is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist and author of Life Unlocked: 7 Revolutionary Lessons to Overcome Fear, which won a ‘Books for a Better Life’ Award. Also a Harvard brain researcher for the last 17 years, Dr. Pillay has developed unique, effective programmes for personal development and goal mastery, translating the complex findings of brain science for the everyday person. Born in Durban, South Africa, he lives in Massachusetts, USA.